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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 11, 2026
CONTACT: Jason Scalese (916) 651-4614

Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil announces retired Army Colonel Mary Chan of El Dorado Hills as Senate District 4’s Woman of the Year

Mary Chan

Mary will be recognized on the Senate Floor on Monday, March 16

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) is proud to announce Mary Chan of El Dorado Hills as Senate District 4’s Veteran Woman of the Year for 2026. Mary Chan is recognized for her extraordinary service to our nation and community. She is a retired Colonel with 34 years of combined enlisted and commissioned service in the California Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve. She exemplifies leadership, dedication, and selfless commitment, qualities that have enriched Senate District 4 and inspired many others.

“Mary Chan’s remarkable journey, from immigrant to trailblazing military leader and tireless community advocate, embodies the spirit of service that defines Senate District 4,” said Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil.

Born in Kowloon, Hong Kong, Mary immigrated to the United States in 1963 with her family, overcoming challenges including language barriers. She began her career with an internship and position in the office of then-Secretary of State March Fong Eu. She enlisted in the California Army National Guard in 1978 under the Civilian Acquired Skills Program and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1981. She rose to Colonel, serving in roles such as:

· Teacher, Advisor & Counselor Officer Officer at the California Military Academy (helping graduate over 1,000 Second Lieutenants)

· Logistics and Maintenance Officer assignments

· Company Commander

· Mobilization support for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom

· Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (EPLO), coordinating wildfire response for the California National Guard and briefing state and federal leaders on equipment and personnel needs during major incidents

After retiring in 2011 (having settled in El Dorado Hills in 2008), Mary continued her service locally, including:

· Two terms on the El Dorado County Civil Grand Jury (2021-2023), contributing to and editing over a dozen reports

· Efforts to revive the local Civil Grand Jury Association chapter through recruiting and training

· Current second term as Treasurer of the Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County, where she developed educational materials on county governance

· Active involvement with the El Dorado Hills Military Veterans Group, including Veterans Memorial site selection and design (with research trips to exemplary sites)

· Membership in Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10165, assisting with ordinances and resolutions

· Extensive volunteering, coordinating fundraisers and events countywide, and supporting wildfire safety advocacy through her emergency preparedness expertise

Mary will be recognized on the Senate Floor during the legislature’s annual Women of the Year ceremony on Monday, March 16 at approximately 2 p.m.

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